November in a Nutshell

I haven't been too loyal to my blog. Let me just tell you that my time has been served cleaning, wrapping presents, and tending to classroom holiday parties, times three. I love this time of year, but I will not hide the fact that it was a lot more enjoyable as a kid. Christmas was magical back then. It just happened, right? No, I've learned that there were two hard-working people behind it that made the season seem like magic because of a lot of hours spent preparing for the joyous day of Christmas. My mother was always a good decorator when it came to holidays. Every season has plates, table clothes, and an abundance of appropriate decor. I've learned a lot from her after years of celebrations and holidays; but let me tell you, it's no easy task. However, I can say that when I sneak around and see my kids playing with the nativity scenes and singing "Silent Night" it makes it all worth it.

Just a quick note on Thanksgiving. It was relaxing, it was just the five of us (a first), and it was filled with way too much food. We were able to get away the day after Thanksgiving for a week long family trip. It was great and filled with snow. I'll fill you in on all that later. I cooked away all day which resulted in enough food for twelve. So, we had Thanksgiving dinner for five nights after that. Once the fruit salad started tasting funny, we threw it all out. This Thanksgiving was one that helped me to see, once again, that money and things don't matter. I have so much to be thankful for right under my nose. I just have to take a quick glance at my beautiful, healthy family, and I realize that I've seen more joy than some do in a lifetime.

So, this is coming a month late, but I'm most thankful for my Savior who paid my debt in full when He was fully God and blameless. He built the bridge, with nothing but grace, for me to have a relationship with my Heavenly Father when there was no other way because of my sin. I'm thankful that because of His merciful sacrifice, I am free of condemnation. He gives me strength for today and hope for tomorrow even when, with my human eyes, I can't see it. I am also thankful for my family that I know I take for granted, at times, just because of the stress that everyday life brings. I've been blessed with three children that have taught me more and given me more joy than I could ever have imagined. I'm thankful that God knew exactly what the purpose of my life was even when I had no clue. I'm thankful for my extended family. I know that, even with all the many personalities on the table, I have received more support and love than I know what to do with. Okay, I'm done with the sappy stuff. Happy Thanksgiving on December 22nd.

Birthdays

We had two important birthdays in November. I'll begin with the more loved and less furry of the two. John's dad, Tony, had a little birthday party with the family. The kids got to hang out with Grandpa, Nana, Uncle Jay, and Aunt Katie. It's always fun getting some Romo men together in one room. It becomes very entertaining; this could have a lot to do with John. Happy birthday to Grandpa Tony!

Grandpa needed lots of help.

Grandpa and Nana

Birthday party number two was for another member of our family. I can't believe I have put up with him for a whole year. I'm very proud of myself that I can still say Apollo has remained our pet. Let's face it though, if it weren't for John, he probably would have moved on to greener pastures by now. I really do love this dog when I'm not loathing him. He turned one year on November 17th. The kids wanted to have a little party for him, so we took Apollo to a way overpriced doggy store where we got him some treats and a cake. The kids sang happy birthday to him and showered him with affection. I don't get it. I guess it is safe to say we've all grown completely attached to this crazy, annoying, lovable animal. Happy birthday, Apollo. May you be lucky enough to survive another year in our home.

That's a classy picture.

A man in a wife beater with his bad rass dog. It's a good look.

Teddy Bear Picnic

Here are some cute pictures of Corinne from her "Teddy Bear Picnic" at preschool. The kids sang some songs for all the parents, then we had a picnic lunch.

Man's Best, Clean Friend

Baths are my favorite thing. They are my escape. The water bill proves it. I usually have one tub that I use and nobody else does because I don't like sitting in other's scum. So, this is what I found in my recently cleaned bathtub; a man and his large dirty dog. I had to do a double take because I was in disbelief that John would go to such great lengths to have a sweet smelling, furry friend. So, I did what every shocked wife would do. I grabbed my camera. I think I have shamed John into never doing this again. It's one thing to scrub people scum off of a bathtub; it's entirely another to deal with doggy scum.

Halloween

Here are some Halloween pictures from this year. The night was fun but quick. Both Christian and Coy were fighting colds/the flu. John and I just took them to church for the annual trunk or treat. Then, we went down to The District for a while. All the stores were giving out candy, and there was music and activities for the kids. Christian was some kind of military guy (we're not sure which branch). Coy was Peter Pan, and Corinne was Ariel (The Little Mermaid). They had a great time despite the fact that they felt yucky.

Psalm 23

This is sweet...

9th Anniversary Cruise

John and I celebrated our 9th wedding anniversary on October 27th. We went on our very first cruise and had the best vacation we've ever had. It was a four day cruise that went to Catalina Island and Ensenada, Mexico. Okay, so not the most glamorous of destinations, but we loved it, and the price was right. We spent four days relaxing, sleeping in, eating lots of great food, and being waited on hand and foot. The cruise offered so many fun things to entertain us. We sang way too much karaoke, played bingo, and went to some great comedy shows. We spent the days laying by the pool looking out over the ocean and enjoying what little bit the destinations had to offer. We rented a golf cart in Catalina and had so much fun driving all around the island. Lots of good memories made on that excursion. We even got pulled over by a golf cart cop. We weren't wearing our seat belts. How could we be so careless with all of the golf cart related fatalities? In Ensenada, we walked all around downtown while being very aware that I was in a foreign country where blonds are few and far between; I've seen Taken way too many times. We did the whole shopping thing where you get to haggle over the price of a fake Gucci purse. It was the best anniversary ever, and I'm so happy we were able to get away. I know it was a huge undertaking for my mom to watch all three of the kids for four days. We are very grateful for her and her patience. She even had to deal with all of the school Halloween parties, but she never missed a beat. My mom had them all in costume with treats in hand for every activity. So, thanks mom for allowing us to have a wonderful time alone as a couple. Now we have cruise fever. We can't wait to go again. Hmmm???? Where to go, where to go? Oh, by the way, I want to say that I have the most incredible husband ever who, for some reason, loves me endlessly. I'm so happy I've been able to spend the last decade of my life with this boy who makes me smile and laugh everyday.

Some October Pictures

Corinne loves preschool.

Lovin' on her brother

Showing off some artwork

Christian at his flag football game

They're the purple team...tough luck

Corinne and her friend, Marley, being cheerleaders

Their only cheer consists of "Goooooo, Boys!!!"

A little bit of a new do; I can't get used to the hair on my forehead.

Thought I'd try some bangs

September Pictures

September is already over; I can't believe it. Am I really seeing Christmas decorations already? Well, I don't know about everyone else, but my life seems to be flying by. September was fun for us. The kids were cured of their boredom after school started, and now I'm already getting, "do I have to go today?"

John and I were able to switch Coy into another kindergarten class that I am very happy with. Still, there are a lot of students, but at least now, I have confidence in his teacher and her experience. He's also in a normal kindergarten classroom now with the little sinks and little potties. His other room was somewhere in the back of the building because they ran out of room. Because I went to private school from 1st-8th grade, I can see the vast difference between public and private school. It is only getting worse here in Vegas. Too many students per classroom, teachers who don't give a rat's patoot (did I spell "puh-toot" correctly?), and curriculum that is catering to the lower half of students. I do have many friends who are teachers, and I know some care very much, but in my opinion, my generation is one of slackers. We are the teachers now, and it's nothing like the way I saw my mom teach for 30 years. It's my goal to have my kids in private school in the next several years, but if that never comes to pass, then hopefully we will have moved to another part of the country where the school district is better.

Christian is on a flag football team this fall. It's a lot of fun to watch him because he seems to constantly get distracted by something or someone. Once the ball is in play, he starts out a couple seconds behind. He's so fast, though, that he still gets to the ball before the other kids. That's not to say he knows quite what to do once he gets the ball. I'll put up some pictures once I remember my camera at a practice or a game.

My birthday was last week, and it was wonderful. John spoiled me and had everything decorated when I woke up. There was princess stuff everywhere along with balloons and banners and lots of fake money because I told him all I wanted for my birthday was a million dollars. I had two cakes thanks to my mom sending me one in the mail. John also got me a cake batter ice cream cake from Cold Stone. I don't know whether I love him or hate him for that one. I received lots of sweet presents, and John took me to Texas de Brazil where the glutton in me had a heyday. All you can eat meat of every kind and lots of salad, potatoes, and fried bananas. You never leave that place feeling really happy with yourself. You kind of say, "Hmmm....Why did I just do that?" But while you're doing it, it's oh so good.

The next night, John took me to see Britney Spears at Mandalay Bay. He had bought these tickets in July and of course, he can't keep a secret. She actually put on a really good concert; not at all as trashy as I thought she would be :-) My favorite part was when the drunk girls sitting next to us somehow got their nacho cheese sauce from a pretzel on my jeans...good times. They informed me they did all their drinking before they left the house because it was so much cheaper. If only we could all be that smart! I'll put up all the b-day pictures soon.

I love you all, friends and fam.